Jackal Among Snakes

“What do you think?” Argrave questioned Anneliese. The two of them sat on rather comfortable chairs just before a table. Despite the safety of the tower, neither removed their enchanted armor—the Tower was safe, but it was still better to be overcautious. They were in a private room, warded to block sound—commonplace in the tower.

Anneliese crossed one leg over the other. “Of the tower?” she asked, and when Argrave nodded to confirm, she said, “It is a bit… ostentatious, if I am honest.”

“Got that right. It’s no coincidence it’s in the middle of a plain. It’s a big, useless monument to pride. I think Castro would agree. You met him before, now that I think back,” Argrave settled into his chair, then sighed. “Induen’s dead.”

“You feel relieved,” she said—a statement, not a question.

“Yeah,” Argrave said, voice distant. “The provisional route I made at the beginning of… whatever the hell you call my presence in this realm, it’s veered quite far off course. And now, I’m planning to take us further from it.”

“I will help as best I can,” Anneliese only assured him.

“How are you handling these developments?” Argrave asked her.

Anneliese shifted in her chair uncomfortably. “I have been trying to focus myself on this place, this tower, and what might be within… I suppose that should tell you enough. I am nervous. I am afraid. We have angered something very powerful.”

Argrave snorted. “Hearing you’re curious about this place just tells me you’re the same person at root.” He looked to her. “But forget about who we’ve angered. Induen’s death wasn’t a crime of passion—it was a great damned opportunity. King Felipe’s angry, I’m a kinslayer—all of these consequences pale in comparison to the good that one act did, pragmatically and morally.”

“I never said I doubted your actions,” Anneliese soothed.

“I know you didn’t. I said it half to myself, honestly. But…” Argrave adjusted his sleeve. “Hearing him make that suggestion about your future—that got under my skin like nothing else. If I could have made him—”

The door to the room opened, cutting Argrave off. A short man with a straight back and a wrinkled, almost leathery bald head entered. He seemed kind and harmless. He looked far too small to threaten or intimidate, and the amiable smile practically writ on his face spoke to his kindness. Calling him kind was true enough, but Castro was light years away from being harmless.

Argrave rose to his feet at once. “Tower Master Castro,” he said eagerly. “Thought we’d be waiting longer—planned for a long conversation with Anneliese.”

“Ah…” his eyes jumped between the two of them.

“I’m Argrave,” he put his hand to his chest. “We spoke at—”

“Did you think I’d forgotten?” Castro interrupted, then stepped a bit closer after he shut the door. “No, I was simply… deeply awed by your progress. Both of you… my memory is not perfect, but your improvements seem utterly tremendous.”

sincerity to them that practically forced both to smile. The fact he was happy eased Argrave—it likely meant he had not heard of Induen’s fate quite yet,

smile faltering. “Your eyes, though… reminiscent of certain products from certain schools of necromancy, Order of the Rose-era creatures… large portions of both soul and magic power crystallize in the eye, preventing decay while retaining sight. The crystallized soul is the gold color, while

Castro so quickly

here,” Argrave redirected, trying not to

you don’t know that,” Castro said, raising one finger above his head until he tapped Argrave’s chest. “But beyond that, I would not like to see such promising growth sullied

lot about necromancy. Can pinpoint exact details,” Argrave

finger back. “I am a curious person, and

surgery and alchemy, not necromancy.” Argrave shook his head, then sat back down

to Anneliese. “Ah. We meet again, young lady Anneliese. Though your friend here drew my eye… you are no less the achiever, I see. Both of you are well into B-rank. Such a

Castro,” she

grown… and not merely in terms of magic, that is evident.” Castro bobbed his head as he thought of something. “Well, I imagine you had other matters to discuss,” he said as he

he lamented, realizing denying things at this point would just be insolence. Castro did not lead the Order

of the order are learning druidic spells. In time, they will permeate throughout the Order. All is well that ends well.

back into the chair. “You might start unnerving me if you know what

a little. “So, what is it you want from me? Do you wish me to expedite your ascendency to High Wizards of the Order? I am afraid

said Anneliese. “And we did not come

to be visiting her soon, you see, and I can’t come empty-handed. And on that note… I’d like a ride to the gift

I’m sure it will be appreciated. But

as preserved books from the Order of the Rose that might be recovered. That’s my offering to you,” Argrave held his hands up. “But

finger against the armrest of the chair, staring at

Argrave explained. “Hellish place. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But I learned a lot. Gained a lot.” And made some unexpected acquaintances, he left that

eyes jumped between

have been busy, I see,” Castro remarked. “Well… certainly I

you, personally,” Argrave leaned forward,

“I cannot. I have pressing

ostensibly Castro’s largest rival, a councilor on the ruling body of the Order of

agree to meet you?” Castro laughed, then scratched his cheek. “I do not say I have matters

you other locations?” Argrave insisted, leaning yet more forward ‘til he nearly fell off the chair.

her head to indicate it was hopeless. Argrave slumped back into the chair,

from the Tower for the plague by your advice,” Castro noted. “And I’ve heard other whispers, too, from the northwest. I am not ignorant of